Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 9th March 2016

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

“For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me, says the LORD, so shall your offspring and your name remain.” (Isa 66:22 ESV) And our Lord Jesus Christ promised: “I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mat 16:18 KJV)

The living God is eternal. He himself describes himself as the God of the living and not the dead, when he reminds the disciples that he as the God of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has not passed away into oblivion of long gone posterity, but rather is alive and well and very much in control. Obviously a living God does not just live for himself and independent of all else. Rather he has created heaven and earth as his own footstool, for his pleasure and  delight, the very realm of his activity and sounding board of his eternal word and communication. Yet even more specifically and most endearingly he has created mankind as his own friend and related partner – and not just temporarily, but in eternity. This is truly a long term commitment, covenant and testament put into place by the triune God himself for us and our salvation, yes, to our benefit and enduring best and positive advantage. See, even if heaven and earth pass away and a new heaven and earth are created by God’s omnipotence and wisdom, still he will let the heirs of the patriarchs, his very own people and chosen elect, the true members of the body of Christ and one holy catholic/universal Christian Church  persist forever in, with and through him.

The Church is God’s very own and special creation and most beloved bride. He takes best care of her, decorates her with his own righteousness, wisdom and caring goodness, love and mercy. Through and by his doing she is the most glorious and beautiful bride. All other creatures just fade into the shadow when compared with her splendor and magnificence.  It’s his own coat of virtue and unblemished grandeur that covers her spots, wrinkles, sores and damages. With his most holy Word he called her into being – out of nothing, created her from dust and nothingness, built her into a truly divine creation of grace, peace and dignity. He the head, we his members, limbs and appendages. He continues to build, expand, grow and multiply her. Making her better still, an even more fitting and appropriate mate and opposite for himself. Beautifying, edifying  and embellishing her shining persona and making her truly loveable, attractive, dear, treasured and most cherished in his own sight and divine evaluation and esteem. He strengthens her faithfulness towards himself, lets her love for himself flourish and prosper, making her hope and trust him with all her strength, heart and will – so that he is and remains her all and everything – truly her ultimate fulfilment and absolute destiny – missing nothing, but having in him all and everything.

Of course it has been the deceitful trickery of the evil one from very early days to make believe that this is not so, that God actually is not really all out for our best. It is his devious devilry to put down God’s goodness and enduring love. His conniving has turned our fleeting attention from the author and perfector of faith to gaze stunned and beguiled into the void of his empty promises as if they were something. It’s the poison of sin that has darkened our eyes, calloused our hearts and made us hard of hearing too. Thus he has enticed and captivated us with vacuous assurances of sham and  pretense and proven himself as the very father of lies, treachery and perfidy. In the end there is but nothingness, loss and shame of condemnation, hurt and pain of losing out for good, longing forever unfulfilled.

It is the wonder and miracle of Christ’s victorious resurrection from death that he has destroyed the power and stronghold of Satan himself and also of his evil ilk and party. Now the very portals of hell are no longer intimidating, but rather are a monument of Christ’s enduring triumph and divine conquest. There is no turning back. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He sits enthroned at the right hand of the Father, ruling for us and our salvation. As the Augsburg Confession sums up this true doctrine taught, believed and confessed by the Church: “(He = IX) is sitting at the right hand of God in order to rule and reign forever over all creatures, so that through the Holy Spirit he may make holy, purify, strengthen, and comfort all who believe in him, also distribute to them life and various gifts and benefits, and shield and protect them against the devil and sin. Finally, the same Lord Christ “will come” in full view of all “to judge the living and the dead . . . ,” according to the Apostles’ Creed. Rejected are all heresies that are opposed to this article.” (Kolb & Wengert 38). So the gates of hell shall not prevail, but they have fallen like those of Mordor. Jesus Christ is Lord and therefore “the one holy church will remain forever” (CA VII). Praise, thanks and glory be to God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen.

The peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you always + Amen.

Glorious Things of You Are Spoken
By: John Newton

  1. Glorious things of you are spoken,
    Zion, city of our God;
    He whose word cannot be broken
    Formed you for his own abode.
    On the Rock of Ages founded,
    What can shake your sure repose?
    With salvation’s walls surrounded,
    You may smile at all your foes.
  2. See, the streams of living waters,
    Springing from eternal love,
    Well supply your sons and daughters
    And all fear of want remove.
    Who can faint while such a river
    Ever will their thirst assuage
    Grace which, like the Lord, the giver,
    Never fails from age to age?
  3. Round each habitation hovering,
    See the cloud and fire appear
    For a glory and a covering,
    Showing that the Lord is near.
    Thus deriving from their banner
    Light by night and shade by day,
    Safe they feed upon the manna
    Which God gives them on their way.
  4. Savior, since of Zion’s city
    I through grace a member am,
    Let the world deride or pity,
    I will glory in your name.
    Fading are the worldlings’ pleasures,
    All their boasted pomp and show;
    Solid joys and lasting treasures
    Non but Zion’s children know.

Hymn # 294 from Lutheran Worship
Author: Franz Joseph Haydn
Tune: Austria
1st Published in: 1779

 

 

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Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 8th March 2016

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Our Lord God says to his prophet Moses: “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.” (Exo 33:19 KJV) and St. Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ and missionary to the gentiles writes: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy.” (1Ti 1:12-13 KJV)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you + now and always +

Dear friends of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ: Moses was a unlikely candidate for being the greatest prophet pointing to the coming Messiah and saviour of the world IX. Not gifted to speak, rather impulsive and prone to violence, yes, guilty of murder and culpable homicide. A man not quite at home amongst the Israelite slaves because he was raised in the house of Pharao, but not quite part of the political establishment at that time either because of his roots in the favelas and slums of his time. A man not at the centre of things, but rather an outlaw, outcast from civilized society, making a living as a shepherd in the desert and amongst the wandering folk without a fixed abode to call home. Yet, he is the one called by the living God in the burning bush. He is the one, who does miracles and wonders matched time and again by the Egyptian magicians and sorcerers, but who is authorized by God and empowered by him to lead his people out of slavery and into the promised land. Even after he is called and things look all set God almost kills him, illustrating but once again that it is not his own merit or worthiness, but only God’s very own goodness, grace and mercy that determines his election, calling and mission.  Our Lord God says to his prophet Moses: “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.” (Exo 33:19 KJV)

In the very same way of undeserved favour and gracious calling, divine predestination and election of the vicious persecutor and must injurious tormentor of God’s people and his holy Christian Church, yes this foulmouthed slanderer and blasphemer of God’s very own Son Jesus of Nazareth and blessed Christ, light of light and very God of very God, is stopped short in his evil and godless ways, turned around, converted and put on to the straight and narrow of godly righteousness and obedient service of the one true and living God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Not because of this or that, but rather because of God’s unfathomable and most loving mercy and kindness. It is as St. Paul himself writes to his dear and beloved student, the very honourable Bishop Timothy: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy.” (1Ti 1:12-13 KJV)

God shows his mercy in this way so that we too would gain confidence and put all our trust and hope in him and his forgiving ways. Not holding our trespasses against us, but rather opening up new life and salvation for us and our kind. With God there are no hopeless cases. Rather God himself wants all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of truth.

This is the reason, why the mission of the Church to make disciples of all nations is never a lost cause. The Lord of this mission, Jesus Christ himself, has all authority in heaven and on earth. He is omnipotent and shows mercy where and when it pleases him. He grows his church in his way and in his very good timing too. It is as the Augsburg Confession describes our faith, conviction and confession: “To obtain such faith God instituted the office of preaching, giving the gospel and the sacraments. Through these, as through means, he gives the Holy Spirit who produces faith, where and when he wills, in those who hear the gospel. It teaches that we have a gracious God, not through our merit but through Christ’s merit, when we so believe.” (CA V Kolb & Wengert Pg. 40)

And we heard this morning’s readings, which recall our Lord God saying to his prophet Moses: “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.” (Exo 33:19 KJV) and how St. Paul, the apostle of Jesus Christ and missionary to the gentiles writes to his student: “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy.” (1Ti 1:12-13 KJV) We praise God’s mercy now and always. Amen.

The peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you always + Amen.

There Is a Balm in Gilead
By: African American Spiritual

  1. Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work’s in vain,
    But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.
    There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;
    There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.
  2. If you cannot preach like Peter, if you cannot pray like Paul,
    You can tell the love of Jesus and say, “He died for all.”
    There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;
    There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.
  3. Don’t ever feel discouraged, for Jesus is your friend;
    And if you lack for knowledge, He’ll never refuse to lend.
    There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;
    There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.

 

 

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Confessional Address

Posted on March 8, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Here is the confessional address held by Professor John T. Pless (CTS Ft.Wayne) last week Wednesday in the Seminary chapel of St.Timothy: Lent III 2 March 2016

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Matins on Mondays

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

This mornings Matins was led by one of our new students from Zambia: Matthews M’tongo. Professor Dr. Werner Klän from the Lutherische Hochschule Oberursel i.T. preached on the lesson from our lectionary, the gospel of St. John the second chapter. You can read that here: LTS-Devotion 07-03-2016

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Herrenhuter readings for Monday, the 7th March 2016

Posted on March 7, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

The Lord your God commands: “Honor your father and your mother!” (Exo 20:12 NIV). And the apostle St.Paul admonishes: „Let children learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.” (1Ti 5:4 KJV)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you + now and always +

Dear friends of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ: Revolutions turn God given structures upside down and on their head. Something like those enthusiasts at Münster, who took infants and crowned them king. Their terrible end in those iron cages hanging from the torrents and city walls speaks for itself. In our time and age, where secularity is having a heyday and people far too easily go about their daily life as if God was no longer, this takes its severe toll in families and homes. Piety is pushed on the backburner. Good norms no longer structure daily living. Things are falling apart, because the god-fearing centre doesn’t hold. Father and mother don’t play their roles anymore and the children are at a loss. Fathers are turned into caricatures and mothers are not liberated after all. Children are left disorientated and practically hanging out to dry. Insubordination is the order of the day and thus God’s commandment is disregarded and his wrath incurred, blessings forsaken and the promises lost. Frightful examples are the student revolts of 68, but also the uprisings against all parental control and educational/governmental supervision as we had it locally in the mid-70’s.

Immediately after the three commandments concerning God – as the head of the family should teach them in a simple way to his household:

  • Thou shalt have no other gods. What does this mean? We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
  • Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not curse, swear, use witchcraft, lie, or deceive by His name, but call upon it in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.
  • Thou shalt sanctify the holy-day. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not despise preaching and His Word, but hold it sacred, and gladly hear and learn it.

We have this the Fourth Commandment, which today is the Herrenhuter Losung/Reading: Thou shalt honor thy father and thy mother that it may be well with thee and thou mayest live long upon the earth. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not despise nor anger our parents and masters, but give them honor, serve, obey, and hold them in love and esteem.

This is the first commandment, which has a divine promise added. This adds weight and dignity to it. Thus God would want us to take it even more serious and gladly obey it from the very bottom of our heart. Positive examples are the young David even after he was anointed to be king by the prophet Nathan, he still honoured and revered king Saul, not lifting a finger up against him in rebellion or with murderous intent, because he was the Lord’s anointed. God points out, how this was good, meet and salutary. Or our Lord Jesus Christ, who lived in Nazareth and showed respect and honour to saint Joseph the carpenter and holy mother Mary. He subjugated himself under their parental direction and obeyed them as every child should obey his parents for God’s sake. This is good and acceptable in the eyes of God.

We know this holds true not only for our bodily parents, but also for those, who are in their place, who represent them and ultimately God himself. Our educators and teachers, but also the police and governmental powers, who have been called and ordained by God to promote peace and goodwill amongst all people. Lastly it encompasses our pastors and teachers, who are special vicars of Christ himself and are our fathers in the faith. Honour, respect, obedience and subordination is their rightful due – and not only the fair and friendly, but even the harsh and strange. As the apostle St. Peter writes: “Slaves, in reverent fear of God submit yourselves to your masters, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh.” (1Pe 2:18 NIV) Obedience and subordination for the Lord’s sake is indeed good, meet and salutary. It doesn’t fit nicely with our ideas of human liberation and political emancipation, but it very definitely has its rightful place in God’s good will and discipline for us and our salvation. Amen.

The peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you always + Amen.

“The Law of God Is Good and Wise”
by Matthias Loy, 1828-1915

1. The Law of God is good and wise
And sets His will before our eyes,
Shows us the way of righteousness,
And dooms to death when we transgress.

2. Its light of holiness imparts
The knowledge of our sinful hearts
That we may see our lost estate
And seek deliverance ere too late.

3. To those who help in Christ have found
And would in works of love abound
It shows what deeds are His delight
And should be done as good and right.

4. When men the offered help disdain
And wilfully in sin remain,
Its terror in their ear resounds
And keeps their wickedness in bounds.

5. The Law is good; but since the Fall
Its holiness condemns us all;
It dooms us for our sin to die
And has no power to justify.

6. To Jesus we for refuge flee,
Who from the curse has set us free,
And humbly worship at His throne,
Saved by His grace through faith alone.

Hymn #295
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Ps. 19: 8
Author: Matthias Loy, 1863
Tune: “Erhalt uns, Herr”
1st Published in: Geistliche Lieder
Town: Wittenberg, 1543

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Predigt zu Psalm 84

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

Hier eine Predigt von Professor Dr. Werner Klän (LTH Oberursel i.T) zu Versen aus Psalm 84 gehalten an Lätare, dem 4. Sonntag in der Passionszeit: Predigt Lätare 2016 Pretoria

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Herrenhuter readings for Saturday, the 5th March 2106.

Posted on March 5, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

The prophet recalls: „Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain: yet surely my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God.“ (Isaiah 49:4) Our Lord Jesus Christ explains in the gospel of St.Mark: „And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.“ (Mk 4:26-28)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you +

Dear friends of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ + The great prophet of the Old Testament Isaiah puts into words the lament of the Lord’s servant about working in vain. It’s the penalty of sin and for our fallout with our God in the first place: „Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee … In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread…“ (cf Genesis 3). God’s messengers are not exempt from this fallout. They too suffer the pain and anguish of working in vain and labouring for nothing. It’s not just the prophet of old, but our Lord and master Jesus Christ himself cries outside Jerusalem: „O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!“ (Mt.23:37) and he wept over Jerusalem: „ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes.“ (Lk.19: 41f)

According to the principles of economics this would have been deemed a failure. Not worth pursuing and better get out sooner than later. Engineers would of course propose another plan – more elaborate, more efficient and practical: „Just do it!“ For every problem there is a solution even if we don’t know it yet. Conquering the world and being masters of the universe is just a question of getting it right. That’s a fallacy though. True wisdom knows that there are very real mishaps, failures and things that just don’t work out. Vanity, injury and loss speak volumes. Going mad and despairing are not the only consequence of human hubris to storm the heavens by their own worthiness and merit. The revolt of nature is very real (Marcuse). Yes, perhaps the time wasn’t ripe. Perhaps the means were not there to carry out the building of the tower or to cover the costs of going to war. However lastly God himself might have prevented it.

See, our boundaries and limitations are part of being human. We are not God. We can’t create out of nothing. All we do is but working and crafting and designing with what God has in his goodness and mercy provided all along. As soon as people think, they can just go about things as if there is no God, but themselves, then they are bound to fail. The history in this regard is endless. The tower in Babel. The Titanic. The socialist or fascist revolutions with its ongoing human design and social constructions. Frankenstein’s monsters are out of the bottle long ago – and nobody can get them under control again. So the wizard’s apprentice complaint is heard again and again: „I can’t get rid of the spirits that I called!“ 

Years ago the Afrikaner nationalists were bragging about their prowess compared with that of the rest of Africa. They were so assured of themselves that they alone could take care of this continent, feed it, manage it and transform it from the dark to the enlightened continent. They had hardly proclaimed this publicly that the drought struck this southern part of the continent and they had to import maize for the very first time. See, God does not bear impudence and pride and indolence lightly. We Germans say: „Hochmut kommt vor dem Fall!“ (Pride precedes falling.) Gene Veith wrote a telling story in this regard yesterday: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/2016/03/thus-passes-the-glory-of-the-world/

The triune God does not want us to forget or disregard him ever. He want’s us to not trust so much in our prowess, but rather look up to him for help, rescue, life and salvation every single day of our life. It is he from whom all blessings flow. He is the creator, giver and preserver of all good things. If he would but withdraw his caring, loving and merciful hand, we would be like the morning dew in the harsh sun light – gone in a wink, nothing left, dead, out and condemned to nothingness. Yet he does not do that. Without any merit or worthiness on our side, he richly provides daily bread, keeps us in all situations and protects us from all evil too. In his hands we rest assured and nothing can tear us from him. He lets it rain over good and evil. He alternates the seasons for our best and for the flourishing even of the fallen world, which together with us moans and groans for salvation, but which still reflects his masterful and beautiful design and fatherly goodness and favour for his children.

Just as the dry and barren lands flower and bloom after summer rains and the desert landscapes become rolling fields of lushest green and many colours, so God let’s his word, which passes like those very summer rains, bring forth bountiful fruits of love, hope and faith when and where it pleases him in those, who hear the gospel. It’s a wonder to behold. It’s dependant entirely on God’s goodness and mercy. He’s the one, who does it all. He builds his church as he did in the past so also in future. No persecution can stop him doing this. The blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church. We don’t know how, but it is clear for all to see. The Church has covered the globe. There are christians everywhere. The faith has flourished even behind iron curtains, prison walls and in most dire circumstances.  And he said: „So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.“ Yes, heaven and earth will pass, but God’s Word remains in eternity. Those prophets of old and the most holy apostles, evangelists and martyrs of the church – they are not gone and missing, for nobody is put to shame, who trusts in the Lord! – no, they are gathered around the throne of the Lamb, dressed in the white garments of baptismal grace, washed with the very blood of the one on the throne, cleansed, sanctified and they behold, what they here hoped for: The Living God in all his glory and goodness, love and forgiving mercy! And they laud, praise, thank and worship him forever and ever. That’s where we’re going too by his gracious calling and doing. Therefore Praise be to him, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who lives and reigns now and forever. Amen. 

The peace of the Lord be with you always + Amen.

1.  Preach you the Word and plant it home
        To men who like or like it not,
     The Word that shall endure and stand
        When flow’rs and men shall be forgot.
2.  We know how hard, O Lord, the task
        Your servant bade us undertake:
     To preach Your Word and never ask
        What prideful profit it may make.
3.  The sower sows his reckless love
         Scatters abroad the goodly seed,
     Intent alone that all may have
        The wholesome loaves that all men need.
4.  Though some be snatched and some be scorched
         And some be choked and matted flat,
     The sower sows; his heart cries out,
        “Oh, what of that, and what of that?”
5.  Of all his scattered plenteousness
        One-fourth waves ripe on hill and flat,
     And bears a harvest hundredfold:
        “Ah, what of that, Lord, what of that!”
6.  Preach you the Word and plant it home
        And never faint; the Harvest Lord
     Who gave the sower seed to sow
        Will watch and tend His planted Word.
(Martin H. Franzmann 1907-1976)
At the Parent’s meeting of the Day-Care-Centre I spoke more about Mark 5:26-29. You can listen to that here: 
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4th Sunday in Lent: Laetare

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

“Rejoice, Jerusalem! Be glad for her, you who love her; rejoice with her, you who mourned for her, and you will find contentment at her consoling breasts.” This Sunday is known as Laetare Sunday and is a Sunday of joy: A small Easter during Lent already. Lent is half over, and Easter is enticingly near. This Sunday is called “Laetare Sunday” since its mood and theme was one of hope and rejoicing that Easter was near.

The readings for this Sunday are:

  • Old Testament:       Isaiah 54:7-10
  • The Epistle:            2.Corinthians 1:3-7
  • The Gospel:            John 12:20-26

The liturgical colour for this time of lent is purple.

Watchword: Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. (Joh 12:24 NIV)

Collect: Almighty God, our heavenly Father, Your mercies are new every morning; and though we deserve only punishment, You receive us as Your children and provide for all our needs of body and soul. Grant that we may heartily acknowledge Your merciful goodness, give thanks for all Your benefits, and serve You in willing obedience; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

If you are called to preach this weekend, may the triune God give you joy and strength, enthusiasm and wisdom, knowledge and insight – and the true words and pictures to preach his holy will faithfully according to his most precious revelation of his will and promises in both the Old and New Testament! However if you are not preaching, but listening – then listen as if God is talking to you + His precious gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)

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Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 4th March 2016

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

King Solomon prayed to God in the temple of Jerusalem: “Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men.” (1Ki 8:39 KJV) And the apostle St. Paul writes to the Thessalonians: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2Th 2:16-17 NIV)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you + now and always +

Dear friends of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ: King Solomon prays to the living God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He does so with confidence and faith, because he trusts the forgiving goodness of our God. Although he knows of the divine omniscience and that no thought of any heart or mind is hidden from the heavenly Father, still he approaches God and pleads with him – not on account of this or that, but only in the hope that God will forgive, pardon, exonerate and absolve all blame, sin and disbelief that we have heaped up so readily from our earliest childhood, yes from the very beginning of our being, which roots in the sinful beginnings of humanity in most primeval times. Still the triune God is good, gracious and merciful not because he doesn’t know us, but although he knows us perfectly indeed, yet and still he is willing to forgive and be gracious to us and to grant us his saving favour – for Jesus Christ our redeemer’s sake.

In this ancient and exemplary prayer King Solomon is a good and saintly model for us and our daily prayer and devotion. Just as the Augsburg Confession teaches us in the twenty-first article: “Scripture sets before us the one Christ as Mediator, Atoning Sacrifice, High Priest and Intercessor. He is to be prayed to. He has promised that he will hear our prayer. This is the worship that he approves above all other worship, that he be called upon in all afflictions. ‘If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father’ (1Jo2:1).”

St.Paul shares this saving faith with King Solomon and the one holy Christian Church. That is why he commends not just Israel, but all of God’s people in his Church to God’s caring love and grace for Christ our saviour’s sake: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” (2Th 2:16-17 NIV) He too knows, that God is not in the dark about us and our true sinful being and evil tendency and aptitude for going astray and contrary to God’s will, law and prescription. He knows our sinfulness full well, for his Son bore all of that himself on the cross. He carried our entire burden of godlessness, impiety and iniquity. He knows it even better than we ourselves do. For we are often so blind for even our worst calamities and evils, bluffing ourselves and making as if we’re ok. Still he knows. There is nothing hidden from him. We can’t bluff him. He’s informed perfectly well and in depth and at length. For he sacrificed himself as a propitiation for this very reason and burdensome load of which we ourselves couldn’t rid ourselves from. He knows it and in his caring love and grace has forgiven all our sins. That encourages us no end. That is why we have all reason to be hopeful and rejoice gratefully. For we have been forgiven.

Yet that is not all. We are forgiven, so that we can now live as God’s children in righteousness and holiness – every day of our life. We are comforted and strengthened by God himself for good works and deeds. These good works and deeds are part of God’s plan for us. He created us initially and then again in holy Baptism to do those good works and deeds, which he has prepared for us to do. We are called by him to do them so that they may benefit not only our fellow men, neighbours, family, friends and next of kin, but even our enemies and those that harm and persecute us.

God is good and hears and answers our prayers. That is why we don’t need to despair if we look at the good works waiting for us to do them, but rather be full of hope, encouraged by him and his faithfulness, that he will not only grant willingness, but also the necessary and required action and success. It is he, who deserves all laud and praise from us the recepients of all his goodness, grace and mercy day in day out. Thanks be to him now and forever. Amen.

The peace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be with you always + Amen.

Jesus, Thy Boundless Love to Me
By: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76

  1. Jesus, Thy boundless love to me
    No thought can reach no tongue declare;
    Unite my thankful heart to Thee,
    And reign with-out a rival there!
    Thine wholly, Thine alone, I am;
    Be Thou alone my constant flame.
  2. Oh, grant that nothing in my soul
    May dwell, but Thy pure love alone;
    Oh, may Thy love possess me whole,
    My joy, my treasure, and my crown!
    All coldness from my heart remove;
    My every act, word, thought, be love.
  3. This love unwearied I pursue
    And dauntlessly to Thee aspire.
    Oh, may Thy love my hope renew,
    Burn in my soul like heavenly fire!
    And day and night, be all my care
    To guard this sacred treasure there.
  4. In suffering be Thy love my peace,
    In weakness by Thy love my power;
    And when the storms of life shall cease,
    O Jesus, in that final hour,
    Be Thou my rod and staff and guide
    And draw me safely to Thy side!

 

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Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 3rd March 2106.

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Wilhelm Weber

The prophet asks rhetorically: „Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength?“ and God answers him: „I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.“ (Isaiah 63,1) The apostle St. Paul writes in his epistle: „… by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.“ (Romans 5:18)

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you +

Dear friends of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ + The prophet Isaiah sees the destruction and mayhem caused amongst the nations. The warlord is great in his strength, but terrible in his wrath. His garments are drenched in blood that they appear crimson even while still displaying his glory. Just as one of the first prophets of God on high – the sycamore farmer Amos – pronounces the glaring truth, that there is not one evil in the city that the Lord doesn’t do, so here one of the latest prophets Isaiah also describes God as the one, who is marching to war and leaving his enemies devastated and in ruin. His description is dramatic and dripping with blood. He continues to write in God’s name: „I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me. And I will tread down the people in mine anger, and make them drunk in my fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.“ (Isaiah 63:3-6) Although such war-talk is no longer deemed politically correct, we should not overlook what relief and joy this brings to those suffering innocents, who have been discriminated against, persecuted and hard pressed by the tyrannical enemies and evil warmongers. Their only hope of salvation is that a stronger warrior and more valiant army may appear and come to their rescue even while they are being harrassed and tormented by the bloodthirsty and cruel enemies. Thank God, that he does not desert the lonely, downtrodden and helpless victims. 

God himself is surprised, that there is nobody else to take the side of those, who need it most. Nobody else is standing up against the evil doers. Nobody else is daring to put up a fight against the powers that be. They have quitted, given up, thrown in the towel: „Can’t do anything against these mighty forces. We just have to fit in, accept the status quo, accommodate ourselves and watch out for ourselves.“ Reminds a bit of the cowardly denial around the warming fire: „I don’t know him. I’ve got nothing to do with him. Who is he anyway!“ So it is the living God alone, who comes to the rescue of his people. He doesn’t forget them, but stands up for them in good time. He goes to war for them, to free them from their oppressors and to trampel down their enemies in righteous vengeance and terrible wrath and just punishment and furious retribution. The evil will be avenged, it will be removed and it will all be right, meet and salutary once again. Thus the one living God establishes right, justice and peace by himself and for his own people, who look to him alone for help and refuge, life and salvation. He is truly might to save. There is none, who can stop him. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him. He is the fair legistlator, harsh excecutor of justice and thus the protective King, Judge, Lord and Saviour of all. Although he is alone, that is quite enough. His might suffices. He can save even though he is the only one, doing something about it. For he is God after all and he can help, save, liberate and grant life, righteousness and justice – once and for all. That’s what he does. That is his mission. He is our God alone.

During lent we remember our Lord Jesus Christ, who on his own, willingly and mightily went to war against sin, death and devil. With his bare hands he fought for justice, peace and righteousness again. There on Gabatha before Pilate he suffered much. He too was drenched with precious and most holy blood, not just his garments, but for the whole world.  It was however not the enemy’s blood, but his very own. There on Golgotha the rest of it poured forth – for you and your salvation: “This is my true blood shed for you for the remission of your sins!” He alone bore the punishment, wrath, blows, whips and pangs of death himself – for us and our salvation. Drew all the wrath of God on himself. Bore it all. There was no bitterness or punishment or retribution or revenge that he did not absorb and take on himself. He was pierced and tormented most severly – until the fury of the righteous judgement from on high abatted, the sun lost it’s light and the earth trembled and shook. He bore it all patiently like a lamb brought to the slaughter. He was obedient to the very end and thus he made peace – everlasting. His mission was accomplished. He finished it all successfully. There’s nothing outstanding. He returned justice and peace. It was his very prayer to the Father that gave us this everlasting peace that passes all understanding: „Father, forgive them, for they do not know, what they are doing!“

Thus he turned not just the other cheek, but his entire life as a sponge for our evil rebellion, uprising against God and rejection of his holy and innocent and good ways. He absorbed it all and thus drew the evil poison of death, sin and devil into himself and died as a result. Yet, because of this, the power of sin, death and devil are spent. They have spent it on Christ. He however was not overcome with it. Yes, he died, but he died to free us from death. His death was our victory. He died, punished for us, the innocent one for the sinful. His perfect and efficacious righteousness is but his alone, but he gave it as the free gift to all men and women, old and young, rich and poor and to serve unto justification of life everlasting. This righteouosness remains his and outside of us, but it is ours now and he has given it to us as a free gift, present and most precious treasure and heirloom. 

Thus although he died, he took this very opportunity to harrow hell and clean out the dungeons of Satan and his ilk. He could not be bound or held by them for long. Rather on the third day he rose again to proclaim his victory to all nations and to the very ends of the world. His victory is final. There is no turning back now. Rather he lives and we shall live also – saved by his innocence, righteousness and loving mercy and goodness. He has brought back justice and peace between God and mankind. We are no longer at war with him. Rather he has brought us life and salvation.

All wars and tribulations in our world and time are but signs of the end times. He’s coming again to fulfil his glorious and holy mission. Heaven and earth will pass away, but his word will remain in eternity. We trust in this his promise and therefore lift up our heads and wait for his final deliverance. He’s coming soon. He’s near and therefore we can rejoice and give thanks and look forward with confidence. Do what is right and trust that belonging to him is not vain, but the very essence of life and our true destiny. So even if there is nothing else to do, but to throw oneself into the spokes of the huge and intimidating wheels of power like Bonhoeffer did, it’s not in vain or just an act of desperation, but rather one of hope and trust in the one, who can help and who will help – by much or little, just as it suits him and at the right time. Nobody who trusts in him will be put to shame. For He truly is our Lord and King, our Judge and Saviour, our Redeemer and Liberator. Praise be to him now and always: God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.  The peace of the Lord be with you always + Amen.

“Lord of Our Life and God of Our Salvation
by Matthaeus A. von Loewenstern, 1594-1648
Translated by Philip Pusey, 1799-1855

1. Lord of our life and God of our salvation.
Star of our night and Hope of every nation,
Hear and receive Thy Church’s supplication,
Lord God Almighty.

2. See round Thine ark the hungry billows curling;
See how thy foes their banners are unfurling.
Lord, while their darts envenomed they are hurling,
Thou canst preserve us.

3. Lord, Thou canst help when earthly armor faileth;
Lord, Thou canst save when deadly sin assaileth;
Lord, o’er Thy Church nor death nor hell prevaileth;
Grant us Thy peace, Lord:

4. Peace in our hearts, our evil thoughts assuaging;
Peace in Thy Church where brothers are engaging;
Peace when the world its busy war is waging.
Calm Thy foes’ raging.

5. Grant us Thy help till backward they are driven;
Grant them Thy truth that they may be forgiven;
Grant peace on earth or, after we have striven,
Peace in Thy heaven.

Hymn #258
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Ps. 79:9
Author: by Matthaeus A. von Loewenstern, 1644
Translated by: Philip Pusey, 1840, alt.
Titled: “Christe, du Beistand”
Composer: Johann Crueger, 1640
Tune: “Herzliebster Jesu”

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